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Saturday, 13 September 2014

The day has finally arrived and Shadows in the Night is available from tomorrow on Amazon. I am so excited and happy that I can finally release this book for my readers to enjoy. It has been a long time in coming, now that I work, but I haven't given up on my writing. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.

Here is the synopsis to whet your apatite.

A photograph, a first name, and the description of a pendant
is not much for private investigator Slade Curtis to go on. Regardless, he is
determined to crack the strange case he has been handed and find the
beneficiary he has been paid to locate. His reputation demands it. However, he
doesn’t bank on a ghostly apparition haunting him or the very woman he is
searching for to pop into his life by chance. Slater suddenly finds himself
sucked into a dangerous game and his adversary holds all the cards.

Jade Robinson has no interest in recovering her lost memory
or searching for the answers to her mysterious past. She never wants to recall
the reason she was wandering the streets at fourteen, covered with blood.
However, someone from her past wants to awaken her memory and will stop at
nothing to achieve his goal. Suddenly, the only person Jade can rely on is the
very investigator that threw her to the madman determined to wrest from her
something she can’t remember. Can she trust Slater to help her solve the
mystery? Or is there more to his involvement than meets the eye?

As events
spiral dangerously out of control, Jade and Slater are left fighting for their
lives. Every turn takes them down another shocking path. Can they uncover the
truth before it’s too late or will they be swallowed by the shadows all around
them before the answers become clear?

Monday, 25 August 2014

Finally, I am at the stage where I can reveal the cover for my new book Shadows in the Night. I am really excited and happy to report that I have now finished writing the story. It still has to go through the editing stage, but it shouldn't be long before I can give a release date. Stay posted. I will be keeping you informed.

I know it has been quite some time since I was able to write anything on my blog or Facebook page, but life has just been so busy lately. It was a choice of social media or finishing the book! Obviously I chose to finish the book. It is much tougher now that I have to fit everything around a full time job, but I am determined to keep on writing.

I love this story and am very pleased with the outcome. I hope every reader thinks it was worth the wait. Slater has completely captured my heart. He has been one of my favourite characters to date. I have loved writing every word, although I am sad I was unable to finish the book quicker than I have.

This is a story full of mystery and strange events that I hope will keep you guessing to the very end. It certainly took a great deal of thought and planning. I spent many a night working out all the details. I think the end result was well worth the sleepless tossing in my bed! I hope it won't be long before I can publish the book and share Slater and Jade's mystery with you.

Sunday, 8 June 2014

I will be releasing the cover image for this book in the next few weeks. My life has made so many changes recently that it has slowed down my writing considerably. I am now working full time in a new job, which I love, but it does mean that I don't have the time I used to be able to devote to writing.

Unfortunately this is something that most writers have to deal with. Our writing work simply doesn't pay the bills for most of us. I am very lucky. I have found a job and a place that I love working. It has been a joy for me to go back to full time employment. There are many writers that would love to give up their day job and be able to write full time, but simply can't afford to.

I would love it if this could change. It is generally down to more and more books being offered for free and many readers not willing to pay for a book anymore, or will only buy it on discount. Hopefully this trend will change. If we don't support our writers, how can we expect them to have the time to continue to create the entertainment we love to enjoy? After all, nobody expects to work for hours for free. Yet many authors do.

Books also cost money to produce, which is something I think most readers don't realise. An author has to pay for things like professional editing, covers, etc. It takes a lot of hard work and effort to create one book and I think authors deserve the small amount of money that is requested for the opportunity to enjoy their work. Perhaps this is something that we can all make the effort to change in the future. I do my part. I always buy the books I wish to read and rarely read a free book (usually only when an author friend has requested for an honest review of their work). I know then that I have honoured the hard work and effort the author has put into their novel. I hope many readers will do the same.

In the meantime, I will continue to finish Jade's story. It isn't far from the end, I just need to get the time to finish it off, edit it and then release it. After her story is complete, I am thinking of starting a new series for Young Adults which is more of an adventure kind of a story, but I won't tell you more about that just yet!

For now, keep your eyes open for the cover reveal of Shadows in the Night and more information about the release date for this book. Have a great summer and happy reading.

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

I am really pleased to interview a dear friend of mine, Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku.

What’s the story behind your latest book?

My latest release, Stolen Valentine Kiss: Will One Kiss Steal Her Heart? (Holiday Series #1) features an emotionally troubled British/Nigerian heroine (Lorna Ibe) who went to America on holiday to forget about her problems but unexpectedly meets US born hero (Logan Blake) who thankfully, isn’t interested in a relationship.

The cheeky notion of Logan stealing one kiss from an unwilling and uninterested Lorna kicks off unexpected emotion. I imagined the magic of that kiss; the heat flowing through her veins and the tip of his tongue drawing dizzying circles in her mouth making her heart pound so much she’s swayed.

The more I thought about it, the more the story took shape. It was entirely my readers idea to turn Stolen Valentine Kiss into a series.

What are you working on next?

Cowries From a Prince, book one of my first historical romance series is on my writing table at the moment. (This is the first time I'm naming the new title). There are three books in the series.

Cowries From a Prince is based in the Ancient Benin City, a bustling town in the South West of Nigeria in the 17th Century. The city still has monarchical rule till date.

In Igodomigodo land (as it was called) there were traditions that my heroine, Uvbi Adolo believed took away the rights of women. To change the norm, she must battle against all odds; family challenges and bear unbelievable upheavals.

The hero, Nagudia Igho, seek ways to bring justice to all, but he must use subtle ways that can’t be linked to him. Their attraction is strong but unrecognised.

Nagudia and Uvbi fight the growing attraction as there are family and societal pressure to contend with. I love both of them and the rough tide they face.

When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?

I spend my time with my husband and children; laughing, playing hard or going to the Cinema. When I’m not having fun with them, I’m baking or sitting in a comfy leather sofa watching TV. When I have additional spare time, I read lots of romance novels, contemporary or historical.

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?

That’s an easy one. How can I forget? My first contemporary romance, Loitering Shadows is the first story I ever wrote. Published in May 2010, it was inspired in part by my life experiences. For you to deduce what parts are real and the parts that are fiction, you’ll have to read in between Tricia and Prescott’s emotional story.

Describe a favourite scene in your current novel?

My favourite scene in Stolen Valentine Kiss is when Logan stopped over at Lorna’s place on a date she’d reluctantly agreed to. She’d been pressured by her aunt.
In her state of panic, Lorna stumbled to her bedroom door, placed her ears behind the door, straining to listen to Logan’s conversation with her aunt. The knock on her door sent her tumbling backwards, landing slapdash on her bed. Her aunt walked in, a bemused expression on her face.
I still find that scene hilarious because Lorna had previously denied any feelings for Logan.

What else do you have in store for your readers?

Book two in the Holiday Series (sequel to Stolen Valentine Kiss) is due out before Thanksgiving 2014. Lorna and Logan will have to overcome a number of hurdles if they want their engagement to climax into the wedding of their dreams. Readers will have to wait to read book two to find out if they'll have a wedding.

How did you come up with the hero and heroine for your latest book?

Nagudia Igho and Uvbi Adolo, the hero and heroine in my Work-In-Progress; Cowries From a Prince are characters that stole my feisty heart as the thought of life for a young maiden in the chiefly traditional 17th Century Benin City raced through.

The story involves a hero who has the heart of a lion, the strength and gait of a thorough-bred horse and a rarely confrontational personality that open doors, who knows how to relate with men in power to push through his ideas. Nagudia fits perfectly. He's a man with a turbulent history and an enviable future.

Uvbi on the hand, is a young maiden with the heart of a lioness, fearless and bold, ready to crush every oppressive tradition and vocally challenges what she perceives as injustice against women.

Why are your hero and heroine perfect for each other?

To my writing pen, Nagudia and Uvbi are perfect for each other because opposite attract. They complement each other’s personalities but they may be too blind, stubborn and fearless to know how to work together.

Do you plan several books ahead or do you work on one book at a time?

Yes, I do plan a few books ahead but I only work on one book at a time. Interestingly, I set aside my current work-in-progress; Cowries From a Prince, for almost two years to write and publish two other titles; Husband to Rent and Stolen Valentine Kiss (Holiday Series).

Tell us a little about your writing style? Do you plan and plot your stories, or do you just start writing them?

It varies. In the past, I have written straight from the heart. At other times, I sketch loosely by writing down a few sentences for each chapter. As I write, I flesh out the story along the sketched lines.

Have you ever had writer’s block? How do you deal with it?

Not often. I remember once when I encountered the dreaded block, I packed up my writing for a day. When I returned to the story, I read the preceding pages and it flowed unstopped.

What is the best comment you ever received from a reader? The worst or weirdest?

A reader wrote to me on Facebook after reading Husband to Rent; "I just wrote my review. I hope it did justice to a great work. I am so proud of you and my dear you were so bold. The the love making scenes were mouth watering.gooood job." On another occasion, she wrote; "I'll read anything Stella writes."

The worst was a great criticism about SPARKLING DAWN by a reader stating; "Okay I have to say the writing style and dialogue is very formal and stilted. The characters ran so hot and cold that I got a bit tired waiting for them to be on the same page. I don't quite get the story of how the secret came to be as Chloe was young and even with travelling parents suspicions would have been raised. A sweet if unrealistic story."

Interestingly, the same book (SPARKLING DAWN) was rated 5stars by another more enthusiastic reader.
"Awesome piece. True love and a crush eventually reciprocrated. Couldn't quite figure out why Chloe resisted Warren. When the truth came out. I cried for Chloe and fell in love with Warren by standing by her. That is true love! Believable and real. Love it, Love it, Love it. Thumbs up."

As a consequence, I have sent it off to a brilliant editor to have another read. I welcome every comment. It helps to sharpen my skill and story.

Book Synopsis﻿

One broken heart. Two grieving minds.

To Lorna Ibe, Departmental Manager with one of London's multi-channel retailers, Valentine's Day lost its romantic flavour years ago. An unplanned holiday to New Jersey is her perfect getaway from the stress and emotional turmoil locked in her heart, just what she needs to take her mind off her troubles. That's until she runs into Logan.

Magazine publisher, Logan Blake has had his fair share of stress in the past few years. When his sister asks him to drop off old clothes to charity, he has a minor accident in front of the charity shop where Lorna volunteers. When he sets eyes on her bare midriff as she wipes the display window, he clears his busy schedule to volunteer his time. Two burdened hearts afraid to get entwined.

One Stolen Valentine Kiss. Will Valentine season bring them romance or will their fears keep them apart?

Sunday, 25 May 2014

It is my turn to write a blog post in the writing process blog tour. I am sorry I am two days late for posting, but my life has taken some unexpected plot twists lately! I was simply too tired to write anything until today (and even then, I am not sure I am completely with it yet!).

I would first like to acknowledge Christine Ardigo for inviting me onto the tour. She is an amazing writer and friend. You can read an interview with her just below this post. I wish her the greatest success with her new book, Cheating to Survive. It is a great read by a very talented new author. You can read all about her book in the interview post, along with her links.

So, here are my answers to the questions posed in this interview.

1) What am I working on?

Well, right now I am working on the third book in my haunted by the past series. It is the story of Jade, who was introduced in the previous book. She can't remember anything from her past, before the age of fourteen. She was discovered wandering the streets covered in blood, but she has no idea what happened to her. Unfortunately, the past she wishes to never remember refuses to be ignored. Someone wants Jade to recall her past, but she has no idea who or why. Slater is the PI that gets caught up in her troubles and finds himself haunted by a ghost that won't leave him alone. I am really enjoying writing this book! I can't wait to finish and publish it.

2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I like to put an unusual twist on all my stories. One series has fairy godmother's that run their own dating agency and the other series are mysteries with a paranormal twist. I love things that are unusual and interesting. With my mysteries, I like to think of plots that leave people guessing. So far, nobody has told me that they knew the ending before they read it. That makes me very happy!

3) Why do I write what I do?

I am an incurable romantic, but I also love things that are unusual and interesting. I love to explore characters and unusual events. I am always dreaming up something new. It has to be interesting to me, or I can't write it. At the heart of every story is a true love. It couldn't be any other way for me.

4) How does your writing process work?

I have an initial idea. That burst of inspiration that fires up my imagination and starts the drive to explore and write a story. I spend time with the characters and idea in my mind, exploring it with my imagination. This will often produce key events and situations that I want to include in the book. As I start to write the story, often new ideas and angles work their way into the book as my characters take life and show me the direction they are heading in. Writing the actual book can often be different each time. I will need to stop and research some areas or a scene doesn't fit that I originally thought would. Every project is different, but that's what makes it great. I don't think my process is totally the same for every book. Some are easy and others challenge me. I like it both ways!

Now I would like to introduce an author who I have recently become friends with. Her name is Katie McKnight. She will be posting her blog hop in approx. a week from today.

Katie McKnight lives on Long Island with
her husband and three sons.She
published a suspenseful-romance novel entitled Secrets Revealed in August 2013
and is currently working on her second novel.When she is not writing, you’ll find her at the town animal shelter
preparing dogs to meet their forever families.You can find the Facebook addict at www.facebook.com/katiemcknightauthorpage
.

The setting for SECRETS REVEALED spans from Long Island to the mountains of Pennsylvania during Christmas, the most romantic time of the year.

Most people are drawn to entertainment magazines and television news shows. These outlets provide insight into the lives of the rich and famous. How do public figures handle scandal when it hits the airwaves?

SECRETS REVEALED provides a sneak peek into the lives of Broadway actress Melanie O'Shaughnessy and her husband Ryan Carlisle. Find out how they deal when a secret from her past escalates into blackmail, kidnapping and murder.

Thank you for reading this blog hop interview. Sorry again for it being a little late! Life certainly has a way of changing and really fast sometimes. Thank you to Christine for inviting me onto this hop and to Katie for allowing me to introduce her.

Tuesday, 20 May 2014

It is my great pleasure and privilege to do this interview with my good friend and talented new author, Christine Ardigo. Thanks so much, Christine, for featuring on my blog. Her fabulous debut novel, Cheating to Survive, is now finally released.

When did you start writing?

About 2 years ago.

What’s the story behind your latest
book?

I had heard these radio shows where they caught men cheating on their
wives. Some of the poor wives begged their husbands to come back, asked what
they did wrong, and said “I still love you”. It was humiliating. I decided to
turn the tables on the husbands.

What is the greatest joy of writing
for you?

I love making up characters and scenes. It’s almost like lying about
events and getting away with it!

What are you working on next?

Book 2 in the series: Every 5 Years.
It takes you back in time to when it all began for lovers Heather & Nicolo.

When you’re not writing, how do you
spend your time?

I am a full time registered dietitian and personal trainer. I love weight
lifting and have done that since college. I also live by the phrase: Do something
every day that you fear. I’ve gone white-water rafting, rock-climbing outdoors
and jumped out of airplanes.

How do you approach cover design for
your books?

I popped on over to group on Facebook called Book Covers and Cover
Artists and every time I saw a cover I loved, It was from Kellie Dennis and Book Cover
and Design. (http://www.bookcoverbydesign.co.uk/) I knew she was the one for me and
never looked at another site.

Where did you grow up, and how did
this influence your writing?

I grew up on Long Island, New York and my books are all based there. I
have the beach, the bay, and the city all within a half hour away!

Do you remember the first story you
ever wrote?

Yup. I was obsessed with Nancy Drew mysteries so I wrote my own: Linda
Wells Mysteries. I wrote it in an old-battered, spiral notebook complete with
hand drawings! I was eleven-years old. I still have it.

What is your writing process?

I follow Larry Brooks - Story Engineering 8 Plot points. I write what has
to be in each plot point, and then fill in the blanks. (That’s the fun part!)

What do you read for pleasure?

Although I write Women’s Fiction & Contemporary Romance, I love books
like Hunger Games, or stories from Stephen King and Dean Koontz. I do love a
good romance though.

How much research goes into your
books, and how do you tackle that?

Most of it I make up but if I don’t know something, I Google it, ask
friends that have been in that situation or job, or even watch YouTube videos
to get a better idea of what a scene or character should look like. For
example, if I’m not sure what a four-year-old girl should be doing or saying, I
watch a video of one and then I can picture her.

Have you ever had writer’s block? How
do you deal with it?

Not yet. I usually get my best ideas driving to work. I have about a
40-minute commute. I will think of a scene, and then it comes to me as I drive.
The only problem is remembering it by the time I get to work and writing it
down. I’ve found myself writing things down on napkins in my car!

Describe a favourite scene in your
current novel?

It’s a scene with Catherine. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but
her first encounter with her man, their first kiss, gives me Goosebumps every
time I read it.

What is the best comment you ever
received from a reader?

I love when people tell me my writing is so vivid, you actually feel like
you’re in the room experiencing it. But my favourite was someone that said:
“You got what you wanted. I finished the book and I can’t stop thinking about
it. I can’t get it out of my head. I keep thinking about certain scenes.”

What else do you have in store for
your readers?

All my books for now, will revolve around women having to make a
decision: Do they stay with the man they are currently with, or look for
someone that might be better.

Do you plan several books ahead or do
you work on one book at a time?

I do have 3 other books in mind, but I’m not revealing any secrets yet.
You’ll just have to stick around.

Book Synopsis

To her three daughters, Heather is a
fun-loving, silly mom. Her co-workers at Norlyn Plains Hospital think she has
it all, including a handsome lawyer husband.

But when a flirtatious new doctor chooses
Heather to spend his down time with, he reminds her of the man she regrettably
gave up so many years before. Each interaction breathes new life into her and
she gives in to the doctor’s seductions, threatening her fifteen-year marriage.

Her co-workers Victoria and Catherine, are
stunned by her actions, but when they see the positive transformation in
Heather, and question their own crumbling marriages, they wonder if she has the
right idea.

Can cheating on their husbands bring the
three of them happiness? Or will they be destroyed by the consequences?

Excerpt

Dr. Silvatri’s head sprang up. “You
mean if you and I were on a more personal level than it would be okay?”

“Of
course, yes, I mean no, I think it would be something that if you and I
were...”She squeezed her fist in
between her thighs. “Well, we couldn’t anyway.”

“Why
not?”

“We’re
both married.”

“Is
that a problem?”

Heather’s
heart pounded so furiously against her chest she felt dizzy. She stared at him
for a good fifteen seconds. “Your call,” she heaved out, her breathing rapid
now.

He no longer inched toward her.
Extensive thrusts propelled him across the room as if he had waited forever for
her to say those words. Right before his chair knocked into hers, Silvatri
leaped up, whipped it around in a half-circle and crashed back into it,
removing the obstructive backrest. He secured her cheekbones under his thumbs
and drew her lips in to his.

His juicy mouth smashed onto hers, biting and sucking,
like former lovers reunited. The feel of his powerful tongue against hers, was
exactly as she imagined. She drove back wanting to climb inside. Silvatri’s
right hand clutched the back of her head and clamped down on her hair.

They say it’s in his kiss, and it
was. Passionate and yearning, a deep desire concealed for months. There, in his
kiss, she felt it. Heather snagged it. A kiss. A tiny wish of hers, finally
granted and her life took on new meaning. One kiss and hope restored.

But in one swooping motion, he
removed his hands from her face, grabbed her ass and lifted Heather onto his
lap. Heather froze. Only a kiss. His mouth covered hers again, but with each
motion, she unraveled and let go. His commanding precedent erased the past
fifteen years of faithfulness she maintained with Lance. She wanted him, wanted
this.

She wrapped her arms around his neck. His
hands travelled from her ass, down her skirt and back up her legs. His thumbs
probed the tiny folds between her thigh and pelvic bones, teasing.

He
glided his hands to the underside of her skirt and cupped her bare ass. He
pulled away and they looked into each other’s eyes while their breaths poured
out in quick successions. “Wasn’t expecting that,” he panted.

She
smiled, hoping her face remained colorless. At least the thong she threw on
this morning redeemed her lifeless mommy apparel.

He
snapped up, hoisted her by her ass into the air like a small child, and took
two large strides over to the wall, pushing her against it. Silvatri released
her and then leaned in, rubbing his loose scrub pants against her body. She
questioned if he wore underwear as his erection hung down across his thigh. The
cucumber she cut for Rori’s snack yesterday entered her mind.

No.
Not now. No kids!

He
pulled away and staggered into the wall behind him, breathing as heavy as she.
“How private is this office?”

He
wouldn’t. Not here. Would he? Would she?

“No
one knows I’m in here.” He looked at the door. “It’s locked,” she continued,
“I’m the only one with the key.”

Saturday, 10 May 2014

I am steadily working my way through Shadows in the Night. It is shaping up to be a great mystery and I am loving the characters and story so much. Hopefully, it won't be too long before I can reveal the cover and publish the book.

Jade and Slater are certainly going through it. This mystery has kept me up a few nights, working out all the different angles and making sure the plot is completely watertight.

I am so excited about this book and want to share a small taster with you. So here is an excerpt and I hope you enjoy reading it. It's only a tiny taster, but a good one!

Shadows in the Night

Teaser Excerpt

He slowly walked towards the woman.
“Hi. Excuse me, do you live around here? I was wondering if I could ask you a
couple of questions. It won’t take long.”

The woman continued to stare out at
the water, her face turned so that all he could see was her profile. She seemed
a rather plain woman from what he could tell. Her hair hung down just below her
shoulders and her clothing was rather dowdy and colourless. She held a hand to
her mouth, as if she was holding in some deep emotion.

As he drew closer, he noticed tears
trickling down her face. She didn’t seem to notice them, or him. He hesitated.
Should he intrude on her private pain? He glanced back up the path, but decided
to offer his assistance. He couldn’t just leave someone in obvious distress.
He’d seen the devastated kind of expression on her features many times before.
Usually on the faces of clients after he’d notified someone of their partner’s
cheating.

“Are you alright? Do you need me to
call someone for you?” Slater called to her.

He stepped closer to the woman.
Something seemed decidedly off kilter. His heart tripped over in his chest.
Although the breeze blew threw his hair, tossing it in every direction, it
didn’t touch the woman’s tresses at all. It appeared as though she belonged in
a different time and space from the one he occupied.

He shook his head and pinched the
bridge of his nose. He had to be imagining things. Too many late nights and
strong coffee. It had finally eroded his brain. Slater opened his eyes and
stared hard at the woman. She slowly turned in his direction. His mouth dropped
open. The side of her head was completely caved in. Blood dripped down what was
left of her face. As she turned to fully face him, he could see the blood
spattered over her body. It dripped from the ends of her fingers to soak the
grass below her feet.

“All
lies.” Her voice sounded hollow, as if she spoke down a long tunnel. “It was nothing but lies.”

Forever You

Wild Fire

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About Me

I am an Indie Author who is finally realising the dream I have had my whole life. I am a huge romantic at heart. My favourite things are reading, writing and spending time with my husband. Life doesn't get any better than being with your one true love and working with what you love doing the most!